The ArvoNet Development/Deployment team was responsible for revolutionizing FEMA’s disaster response.  Prior to 2017, FEMA literally spent days wiring facilities for thousands of users. The ArvoNet architecture enables FEMA to build disaster response center networks in hours supporting thousands.  Time is the most valuable savings during a disaster, but I should also mention the savings in labor to make and run the thousands of wires required for every building.

Jack Montgomery was the program manager responsible for overseeing the deployments and architecture design.  Normally John is an Accountable Property Manager at Mt. Weather.  He was deployed to California and responsible for getting IT tools such as cell phones, laptops and printers into the hands of those on the front lines.  While he must make sure the front line folks get what they need in a timely way he has a stewardship responsibility to recover and account for government property.  Security is a concern and a constant reminder of the consequences of not being vigilant. Along with long hours and a lengthy government career doing much of the same he is grateful for the opportunity to be of service.   Serving those who have lost everything and who are going through events they never imagined is both rewarding and tiring.

Lorenzo Moore joined Jack in Texas to deal with communications needs of those who had lost their landline and wireless capabilities.  After working with engineering at headquarters, they were able to resurrect, update and certify a wireless solution to provide service up to 700 users in Austin Texas.  In lieu of a typical wireline solution they were able with private sector support to get from proof of concept to roll out and operation within a few days. Teamwork as usual was key to get pass the snags that always happen.  Lorenzo is still in Texas but Jack has moved on to Puerto Rico. In conditions that are not always favorable Jack et al are now serving up to 3,000 users in a wireless environment in San Juan. Both Jack and Lorenzo acknowledge that it has been a learning and satisfying experience that reminds them of why they joined public service in the first place.  Our motto that we have to be at our best when things are at their worst really hits home.

Eddie Stallworth is a cybersecurity specialist who was deployed supporting a special mission and deployed for about 5 months.  His role was so vital it was documented as a best practice. A new job category is being created based on his efforts. Michelle Sepety coordinated support back in the data centers and headquarters to ensure that we were getting all of the support in the field required to make this happen.  Vernon Hurston oversaw the Disaster Response teams who deployed the resources to the relevant sites and performed initial set up.